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RESIDENTIAL Project in Delhi

groupDCA works on a wide scale of residential projects, ranging from contemporary designto classic architectural design.

GroupDCA is one of the best residential architecture firmin Delhi, having executed some state of the art residential designs in the country.GroupDCA designs bespoke residences with an artistic edge and varied architectural design sensibilities. The home is for their resident which is a paradise of color, material, texture and surprising elements in every nook and corner.

A dream residence– is a haven, a place of comfort for any individual. The client’s aspirations are given utmost importance and are pivotal in shaping the design and interiorsof a residence. All top residential designsof DCA have their own inherent character, reflecting upon the owner’s disposition.

Having acquired rich expertise in architectural materials & products, groupDCA plays the role of a catalyst in achieving the client’s yearnings and desires through their architecture and designs. The resulting space is always unique.

One of the finer examples of this is the Arora Residence in Sainik Farms, New Delhi.

Embracing varied spatial designsensibilities, groupDCA shaped the interior designof this residence at Sainik Farms inspired by the unconventional artistic taste of the client. Richly detailed, the contemporary residenceprovides a sumptuous visual feast with interest in every corner. Colors were selected according to the mood of the space. The aesthetics of the completed home could be described as a fusion of multiple interior designelements that merge into one space while simultaneously celebrating each object’s individuality—a marriage of ideas enhancing and complementing one another which births a unique balance. The home abounds with an array of textures, colors and materials—the creative use of MS sheets, unfinished and raw wood in most of the furniture pieces, and rough textured white paint in the study are all elements that add a vintage yet eclectic ambience to the spaces. The client beautifully sums up the experience of this striking contemporary residencewhen he says: “It is the cultivation of many thoughts which fused to form one story.”

groupDCA provides high end, convenient interiors, designed such that opulence is not restrained by the budget and is felt in all the residences. The layouts of the interior spaces is highly modern, well lit and a spacious place. The ceiling height, is kept high in areas like drawing rooms and dining rooms – adding to the grandeur and is kept low in areas like bedrooms and lounges adding to the cozy feel of the space. Each space is highly personalized as per the individual utilizing it. The colors and finishes of the walls and floors are generally kept muted with the intent of giving due emphasis to the pieces of furniture and art in the room. This also ensures the client the flexibility of changing color schemes and look of the place as the time goes by. Our beliefs, knowledge & experience have helped us in making beautiful homes with quality interior design and architecturefor very satisfied clients.

DCA Salons | Architecture & Interior Design.

A Salon’s design reflects the spirit, avant-garde and democracy in its aesthetic approach luring the guests. groupDCA’s is one of the best architecture firm in Delhi who has carved a niche in retail store design. They have created spaces which could amalgamate comfort into its design, giving an individual personality of each creation, makes it client friendly.

groupDCA has designed various top hospitality designs, like the franchises of Looks Salon in Delhi – NCR. The custom designed styling for each salon based on the client brief along with incorporation of significant aesthetically pleasing ideas steals the show. The ceiling colors and lighting sets a dramatic tone that introduces the customers to the fashionable atmosphere. The main space is huge, utilizing the walls with mirrors on either side giving users a feeling of openness. The reflecting image is purposefully positioned and the mirrors will allow customers to follow up with their procedures in detail.

Looks salon,Chattarpur, has an earthy color combination with wooden flooring. The walls have been paired up with bricks and Kota stone keeping a basic culmination of classy yet clean interiors.On the contrary, the black ceiling with intense lighting makes it modern, making the users more comfortable and at ease.

Built on an area of 97 sqmt in the year 2016, Enrich Salon, Mumbai has been designed providing adequate space to all the services taking place in the premises. With an independent approach, each area has been designed to have an experience different from the others. A combination of exposed brick work, wood and basic color gives richness to the spaces soothing the eyes of the guests.

Wooden louver ceiling and glass partitions in certain areas are the details giving it a warm and tranquil feel enhancing the salon’s timeless look. With versatility in concepts and an entirely new design language, Mirrors Salon, Gachibowli, Hyderabad was built. Inspired by mirrors, this monochrome salon, built on an area of 3625 sq. ft., was planned keeping function, form and aesthetics at the same level.

The idea in mind while creating Mirrors Salon was to make an oasis of luxury for the users, yet affordable to everyone. In addition to superior interiors, it is a widely planned space. A grand welcoming reception with display counters on one side and seating on the other, oval shaped ceiling with chandelier to greet the guests. The circulation area has been kept on the back side followed by the Reflexology area creating a buffer between the two spaces. With the thoughtful rectangular planning with profound interiors the salon aims to cater the desire and fulfill every need of its guests.

DCA’s ambition in designing salons was to make best hospitality designs that blends the relaxed, welcoming feel of a high-end salon, giving fluidity of movement to every space, offering extensive facilities for the locals and beyond. With an uncomplicated style and elegance, DCA’s salon designs have always had a dazzling effect on the visitors.

The word ‘Sustainability’ has become a universally known term in the recent times with a lot of top architecture firms in India, one can often see this word being used in some way or the other, mostly in the real estate and construction business. However, for most part nowadays, it is also seen as one of those terms whose mere addition as a label in itself can garner a lot of attention to the project, irrespective of whether the project contains any interior designing or architecture features to call itself sustainable or not.

To elucidateits true meaning, a sustainable structure is the one which is designed to moderate and shrink the impact it could leave on the environment through its total life cycle-from after construction to its demolition/deconstruction. A sustainable building design makes use of resources and materials that have low embodied energy and also follow the 3 Rs of environmental science-reduce, reuse and replenish.

Another aspect that directs the kind of resources and materials used in a ‘sustainable’ building is using them in a socially liable manner-the ones which promotes safe engineering processes and usage. Optimum utilization of space is also a key element. Space is a limited resource with high value. In today’s millennial world, a lot of interior designfirms and architecture firms are competing to fulfill demands which are always on the rise, making the most of the available space to suit the requirement.

The L’Oreal Professional Products development academy by groupDCA sets itself as a paradigm in this regard. groupDCA is one of the best architecture firms in Delhi, with a lot of award winning commercial to its credit. It was designed as an institution set up to train professionals and educate them in the latest product offerings by L’Oreal. The layout is such that it creates collaborative spaces for these professionals to work in versatile zones that amalgamate with one another impeccably. A practical approach to sustainable design is demonstrated in this project through water efficiency and energy consumption along with design innovations, especially in creating interior spaces which have the ability to transform itself into a huge space for promotional events and then re-transform itself into classrooms, a challenging requirement in the design brief. The interior design is oriented towards a very effective zoning so as to maximize the influx of natural light as deep as possible into the Academy. This is a clear example of how sustainability is not an afterthought but rather an element of the basic design principle.

Therefore, a holistic design approach is required when it comes to sustainable design. It should be a design which is a comprehensive consolidation of systems and materials which play the role of minimizing negative impacts on the environment-both within and the immediate surroundings.

Group DCA is a product of a partnership spread over 20 years of two ambitious and multi-talented architects Amit Aurora and Rahul Bansal. Graduating in 1993 from the esteemed School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi, they are visionaries adept in the field of architecture and interior design. groupDCA is one of the top hospitality design firm which was founded in 1996, over the years it has acquired national and international acclaim for it’s out of the box, contemporary design methods. They redefine spatial structure by enhancing aesthetics keeping in mind the client’s sensitivities and cost effectiveness. Their functioning is in sync with the “make in India” ideology, hence there is a conscious use local, Indian – sustainable materials/technology, along with minimizing the impact on the environment. The firm has self aggrandized in the field of design architecture through its accomplished projects. The firm is involved and has achieved success in a variety of projects such as commercial spaces and complexes, residential, salons and spaces, luxury retail outlets and restaurants.

Group DCA have portrayed their ingenuity and originality in architectural and interior design in the hospitality sector. The restaurant projects undertaken by Group DCA have carved a niche in terms of modern, minimalism. One of them is the very popular Amour Bistro situated in the Diplomatic hub of Delhi, Malcha Marg. The restaurant draws its inspiration from an enchanting European bistro and is infused with a Mediterranean feel, not only in its décor but also its food. The design is such that one feels he is sitting in a cocoon of Mediterranean ambience amidst the hustle and bustle chaos of a chaotic city. The design enhances the dining experience.

Amour Bistro has been designed magnificently yet the earthy tones, rustic touches and minimal elements speak volumes about its simplicity. It is elegant and exudes luxury , its warmth and familiarity is inviting to anyone who dines here . Certain design elements that have been so artfully put together to accentuate the above. Low wooden slatted ceiling with textured plaster white wall on one side and full length glass windows on the other allows passers-by to catch a glimpse of the interiors. A trio of musician statues above the kitchen counter and a wine rack on the double height wall are two installations that catch the eye of the visitors.

The Euro-Mediterranean essence is further brought to life through the furniture made of fine materials with rustic colour finishes. They are subtlety offset by a brick backdrop, painted in white. The dining space has black painted metal dining chairs interspersed with some sand blasted custom-made seating and bespoke wall lights. The chandeliers are made in wrought iron. All elements have been woven together to give you a bistro of fine dining with the feel of luxe and warmth.

Town Hall, situated in the middle of the central wing of Khan Market in New Delhi is another famed project by Group DCA. Being one of the best hospitality design in the city, having won some highly celebrated architecture award. The location and the shell of the building which is distinctly colonial are the keys factors in the construction of its theme. The firm, truly adhered to the roots of the building and designed the restaurant in a post-colonial and post – independence theme. The furniture, the patterns and textures adopted are very classical and provide an authentic flavour to the space keeping alive the old-world Charm of the 50s.

Another quintessentially charming place that has come to life by the firm is “Backyard”, situated amid the buzzing and busy streets of Green Park, New Delhi. As the name suggests it a little place where one can enjoy a ‘time out’ from the busy streets and feel relaxed and happy. The architecture & interiordesign approach here went beyond the mainstream and the emphasis was on creative utilization of materials are obsolete or thrown away in one’s backyard. This out of the box design approach gave the café a distinct identity of its own.

The brilliantly creative team of Group DCA has put in individuality, character and uniqueness in each of their projects through their artistically thought over designs themes. Whether it’s an experience of sitting in a European bistro, or enjoying a dining experience in the post-independence era. Whether the ambience is colonial or it amounts to experiencing a much-deserved timeout in place which would feel like your own backyard, each is beautifully and effortlessly designed to impart a feeling of relaxation and ease.

Over the years, ‘space’ as an expression has acquired multiple meanings and has evolved in terms of its perception and design. Spaces may need to be dramatic & emphatic, warm & calming, straight & functional, or minimalistic & simple. Different users derive different usage out of a space. In a day and age where large spaces are either very few or very expensive, the importance of ‘relevant design’ and ‘value-engineering’ has become paramount.

While macro spaces are perceived as a combination of the larger ambience, spaces surrounding it and its use by masses, micro spaces witness a more personalized and customized design approach. In today’s era of specialization, modularity and flexibility, spatial designing and multi-functionality have become a common and detailed phenomenon.

Design and Articulation of pre-existing small spaces is recommended in a manner that it creates a fresh definitive space, yet also maintains a relation to the previous meaning / experience lent by the space. The driving factors to instill the same comes from a variety of elements that can be used to ornament a space. Factors such as highlights, contrasts, harmony and balance could be inculcated through the conscious choice of material, lighting, color palette etc.

After having executed various design projects across India, one of India’s top architecture firm, groupDCA thinks, small spaces also need to be versatile in order to compensate for its limitations in structural changes and volume. Multifunctional items like modular tables, which combine together as conference tables and/or storage in offices, sitting that couples up as storage, or kitchen work-tops that are adaptable as dining spaces in homes – increase the efficiency of a space. Use of elements like glass, mirrors and green plants lend a spacious & positive feel.

A simple office corner cubicle with elements like ambient lighting, glass partitions, a neutral color palette and a touch of green could do the trick. Greenery could be infused in the design from even a small potted plant, but it will permeate to give a completely different experience as compared to a cubicle left bland, dull and mono-functional. Additionally, incorporating art (as per the likes of the user) gives a warm-personal feel to the space. Detailing of elements in a small space design has the capability to impact a user to a great extent.

To sum up, the productivity of a space can be judged from the satisfaction its user derives from it and a designer is called proficient if he/she is able to ensure the same.

The contemporary design comprehension of a brand or its entity is identity oriented. Accordingly, brands along with their designated spaces are visualized by the consumer, making them a part of a holistic experience, captivating their hearts.

In the domain of watches, groupDCA has carved a niche for itself by executing some magnificent projects across India. Being one of the best retail design firm in Delhi,

The successive characteristics of luxury products therefore correlate largely with the store design. As a result, in an efficient store, the emphasis of the user on the products will be enhanced with architecture filling-in as an aid.

One such example Johnson Watch & Company built on an area of 1200 sq. ft,

The prime thought was to give a contemporary design finish with basic, distinguished palette of materials, meticulously placed in a manner to allow the watches to act as an adornment leaving the consumers spell bound.

Basic materials and a warm, light palette exhibit the retailer’s sensibility. Contrasting display stone boundaries were used to emphasize on the inter relation between the zones. Central master piece of light has been placed to break the consistency of the symmetrical flooring and ceiling pattern. Fine gold metallic Jali pattern at the elevation of the display counter with each Watch enclosed in a glass box and graciously displayed portrays the grandness of the brand.

The Kapoor watch & Company built in the year 2009 draws the users by its brand versatility exhibited in a breathtaking fashion. Placed in the heart of aristocracy (DLF EMPORIO), it is a rapturous luxury of the exquisite guests.

Group DCA has delineates and executed the design for this store with heterogeneous brand range.

The main focus was to design the store in a way that provides great visibility to all the brands showcased in the store.

On an area of 53.64 sq. m., the watch gallery has been regarded as a timeless masterpiece of fine artistry. Great efforts in layout and creativity concerning function, materials, and visuals have made this store simply unique.

A store, being the fundamental inspiration and attraction of a brand entity compliments the products displayed alluring the users. Therefore, the guideline for the interiordesign is to use aesthetically pleasing color combinations and to develop magnificent structures creating a soft atmosphere, comfortable and elegant setting with sobriety.

The renowned Gabrielle Coco Chanel said, ‘Luxury is a necessity which starts where necessities end’ (Karra, 2011). True to its essence, Luxury in fact is a necessity that is linked to individuals with a high profile, and as a tool, luxury products are optimised for high visibility and as specific means of communication. Enhancing Desire more than the mere function of meeting the customers’ needs, Luxury products usually convey a compelling story that is well- presented and packaged to breath-taking perfection.

All top Retail Stores, typically, operate only as a window to display products; however, in the recent years, with the ever-increasing onslaught of luxury products in the market and the competition, the experience inside a retail store is as crucial as the brand itself. Focusing on the sensory, far beyond the transactional activities,the most important point to keep in mind while designingtop retail designluxury retail store is that it should be Future-ready with a next generation design/layout and create a fashion statement.There is an increased focus on lighting, materials, display systems and the interior decor, and thecost of lighting and sourcing is a vital part of the entire process, therefore being done only through selected vendors. Day and Night Lighting moods and effects are conceived with exclusive design intent with no compromise on the lighting fixtures.

Working with the adage of ‘Outer beauty pleases the eye, whereas the inner beauty captivates the heart’, the layout of the store is crafted experimentally in order to create dynamic forms within the store. For example, instead of the traditional horizontal or vertical seating arrangement, round arrangements have now become very popular. And then to please the eye, the external façade becomes the highlight, symbolically representing the brand. For example, according to the store’s requirements, the entrance areas are now looked at in detail with additions being made to the immediate external environment such as the stairs, the plants and even clutter-free parking areas are designed exclusively. The façades and the display window have of course seen a major transformation in the past few years. Grandeur and Luxury go hand-in-hand, and store owners are guiltlessly ready to spend more on the façade than on the interiors. Materials with an inherent quality of timelessness such as wood and stones such as Italian marbles are tapped as extensively on the façade as in the interiors.

In today’s global markets, where there is a new luxury brand every month, it is critical to stand apart from the crowd. The competition is no longer on just a local stage, but also in the global economy. Therefore, a lot of importance and thought is given to branding and signage with these becoming seasonal design exercises in themselves.

The execution process has changed a lot since the old business holders have handed over the business to the new generations, with a great emphasis on quality and the experience of customers. Even though in India, Cost saving for owners has been a major challenge, it is essential to achieve good design and good quality, all at great value. Technological investment is still upcoming, but the motivation is being acquired.

The luxury retail segment is still evolving in India. Emporio Mall in Delhi has been the game changer, in this one mall the whole of India got a taste of luxury retail concept be it layout, lighting, materials, details , merchandising etc. Group DCA are fortunate to have handled over 20 projects in this mall.

Luxury retail projects lay a lot of importance on shop front and branding. Materials used are usually very warm and merchandising is sparse. Each product is a hero!

After people visit a luxury store more than remembering the interiorsit is the product which is supposed to stay in their mind. Lot of emphasis is laid on making the merchandise look irresistible and comfortable.

On a technical side-quality of execution is sacrosanct. If the quality and detailing in the execution is not upto the mark it reflects on the quality of product being sold. This analogy is simply not accepted by global luxury brands. This is something we learnt by doing these over 20 projects in emporio. Today we have mastered this whole act of designing and setting up any luxury format across the country.

In today’s global markets, by simply placing a product in the market with a ‘luxury’ label attached, will not attract the targeted customers; Uniqueness of Store design, the appropriate ambience and experience, Diligent planning, execution and clever strategic marketing are factors that will eventually shape the success of the store.

Having completed more than two decades in the ArchitectureIndustry, Amit Aurora and Rahul Bansal, Principal Architects of groupDCA, one of Delhi’s best architecture and interior design firm, feel that ‘Selection of Material’ in today’s context does not get its due attention and scrutiny where as this aspect is of paramount importance and can affect the residents in the long run. The selection should be considered in accordance to the fact that one material blends with the others, the effect it has on the budget, the detailing and sustenance. Selection should also be in accordance to the climatic conditions and surroundings of the area. These parameters refer generally to the exterior spaces, however some considerations like textures, aesthetics along with the look and feel of the space should be considered while selecting material for interiors of a place.

As one of the best residential architecture firm in Delhi, groupDCA has executed some top residential designsin the country using locally produced or sourced material. Using traditional crafts keeps the environmental footprint low and encourages local craftsmanship which is the need of the hour. For example, an architect can use local material favoring the Indian climate even for luxury housing. A set of complementing materials should be utilized. Some architects do not consider this aspect earnestly. The biggest enemy for any architecture project is water and that should be analyzed before selecting a material.

Sometimes, the selection of material is based on inspiration. As to create a larger than life space, rich and elegant materials are used. At times, the subtle usage of materials and textures that blend seamlessly with the overall color palette, lighting of an expanse are given importance. Often we have been a little experimental using Ochre PU panels, and Calcutta White as the stone flooring material for a luxury jewellery store. With the advancement and availability of versatile technology, selecting the material is of paramount importance. This has given us flexibility as materials are being utilized in different ways. Like we used wooden doors and exposed brickwork in ash grey combined with sand blasted reclaimed wood used in the furniture as it is sustainable and added the required eclectic feel to the space.

In a nutshell, one should be conscious and aware in selecting the material for individual spaces.

groupDCA is an award-winning, nationally and internationally acclaimed, multi-disciplinary design firm. Known for its top retail interior designs, the firm is based out of New Delhi, India, providing services in Architecture, Interior designand Design Coordination across a wide range of building types. Founded in 1996, the firm is helmed by Architects Amit Aurora and Rahul Bandal. Over the last two decades, the firm has accomplished some of the best retail and hospitality projectsin India.

Within the current context of continuously evolving lifestyles, luxury salons are springing up by the dozen, almost as often as the restaurants. The interior design of Salons therefore, is becoming increasingly important and has moved beyond the basic premise of ‘Look good, feel good’. With thesociety constantly moving towards achieving a ‘more luxurious lifestyle’, spending time in salons has become an important recreational activity for both men and women. This in turn has crafted a need for engaging salon design solutions, where the spatial arrangement and décor play an integral role in influencing people’s behavior and actions.This implies that the design of the place has the capability to enable the overall experience of visitors as being more relaxing and memorable.

It is often observed that people are more likely to stop at brightly lit-up petrol pumps with the assumption that the toilets would be cleaner and are more likely to walk into an attractively done up, clean restaurant as they would feel re-assured of the food being served. This demonstrates the impact of décor and design on people’s behavior and actions. Creating a niche in design and in the burgeoning success of the salon industry, DCA Architects have excelled in crafting comprehensive salon environments that are customer-centric, functional, aesthetically pleasing and strongly supportive of unique brand identities. Our expertise in creating designs have characterized many popular salon identities of the top brands across India- such as Looks, AN John, Enrich Salons, Mirrors Salon etc.

Art of Salon Design| Salon areas typically vary from 500 to 3000 sq. ft. depending upon specific requirements and the layout is divided into four main parts: reception and retail, the styling section, hair and skin treatment zone and lastly beauty, facial and spa rooms. These areas are highly functional and complexin terms of the multitudes of activitiesthat take place. An interesting facet is that they are public and yet highly intimatespaces. Here one expects to be comfortable, while being vulnerable. So first and foremost, an environment that exudes a sense of privacy and comfort for a visitor needs to be conceptualized. The practicalityplays a very important role in a salon right from the lighting, furniture, reflections and materials to the color palette. This practicality pervades every space – styling zone, pedicure & manicure stations, backwashes, facial rooms, retail display space, etc.

“Different functions requested different spaces.” Spaces designed follow a systematic and coordinated methodology—including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process—to satisfy the needs and resources of the client along withcustomer satisfaction.

While designing salons in today’s competitive market, it is imperative to identify a desired brand image. Salon owners today, recognize the importance of that and have started to convey the upscale image in the minds of consumers through the design of the store. The positioning, the targeted clientele, geographical location, its typology and the cultural context dictate the approach to salon design.

Striving to create a luxurious, modern space, DCA Architects created a boutique experience for Looks Salon in Connaught Place, New Delhi. The site itself was very dynamic and the client was supportive to let go of prime floor space so as to utilize the grandeur of height offered by the heritage building in the inner circle of Connaught Place. An engaging staircase in Grey William leads one to a narrow corridor. The antique mirrored passage area is beautifully designed to invite and retain the visitor’s interest. Having done salons in versatile spaces like luxury mallsor heritage sites, it has to be acknowledged that every site has a certain character attached to it which needs to be taken into consideration while designing. Designs must respond to and coordinate with the building shell and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project. While a salon always has a brand identity to maintain, these principles are adopted with utmost respectingto the unique brand identity.

Functionality and aesthetics |Functionally vital elements such as furniture, reflections, lighting, etc. are a reaction to the applied design principles and have to merge well with the overall theme. In every salon designed by DCA Architects, principal architect , Amit Aurora highlights “we wanted the reflections – the mirror to be an important design element and focused strongly on the spatial potential of combining mirrors in certain angles.”It is through the mirrors that a dialogue between a stylist and a customer occurs and it sort of encompasses their whole world during that time. For example, in the design of the AN JOHN salon in Kolkata, an extremely small space is hugely enhanced and dramatized by the angular placement of mirrorsthat cause myriad of reflections.

Lightingplays a very crucial role in salon design and a unique balance has to be achieved between ambient and task lighting that exploits natural lighting to its best. Ambient lighting has the ability to play on clients’ emotions, elevate the salon’s image and even affect buying habits. In theLooks Salon, Greater Kailash 2, New Delhi, DCA Architects made intelligent use of energy-efficient task lighting on the work area, as well as a judicious use of carefully selected decorative lights thereby causing enough spillover for ambient lighting. In the process there were reduced heat emissions and savings on energy costs. In the more formal areas of the Looks Salon at Connaught Place, decorative chandelierswere used to create a perfect circle of attention and accent lighting to highlight the curtain fabric to set the mood.

Retail merchandiseis another revenue generating source of salons and hence, a lot of thought goes into designing the retail display space in the front zone of the salon with modern features. The retail window has to be strategically placed with dramatic lighting to highlight the contemporary approach of the products being launched in the market. Many a times, the retail area is spread out through the salon to catch the customer’s eye, while they are occupied with the multitude of salon facilities.

In essence , from being simple spaces that provide basic salon services, today, a Salon evokes an aura of peace, calm and relaxation that attempts to create an indulgent space for the user. This is achieved through design and the materials used in the interior palette. Further, Functionality and aestheticsin salon design must complement and balance each other to ensure that the unique, luxury quotient is enhanced to craft novel solutions more suited to the culture of the contemporary, social lifestyles.

As the salon culture basks in its budding trendiness and reputation, a stylish place to spend the beauty time, creates a more beautiful and relaxed self. With thesociety constantly moving towards achieving a ‘more luxurious lifestyle’, spending time in salons has become an important recreational activity for both men and women.

To cater to this growing trend, the well-known skin care brand O3+ distinguishes itself by tuning up its professionals in their advanced training centre, called Visage that serves as a learning place for all its staff. Creating a niche in design, DCA Architects has exceptionally crafted this comprehensive learning environment that is learner-centric, functional, aesthetically pleasing and strongly supportive of the brand’s identity.

As one enters into the reception, a tranquil space welcomes the visitors. The skin bar stands opposite to the reception, complemented by a sublime white ceiling over it. The warm lights in the space set the right atmosphere. Stretching out to the right of the skin bar, a full height display exhibits the brand’s tailor made world class cosmetics and skin care products. The wall also boasts the branding logo, displayed in black on a warm backdrop. Howbeit, the space is conducive to learning, yet provides a calm, comfortable and soothing environment that resonated with the brand ethos.

The reception narrows down to a lobby that leads on to the facial rooms and classrooms. The spatial planning is enabled in a manner that helps to give a less claustrophobic feeling to the space.

The classrooms are designed as per a commercial setting. The centre is equipped with high-class technology and lets the training staff gain practical experience, before stepping out into the real arena. The client’s desire for a soothing environment is satisfied by a neutral palette and warm details dotted throughout the space.The false ceiling in wood further accentuates the design, while highlighting the space and lending it a unique identity.

The model facial room that lies adjacent to the meeting room, is a replica of the actual space and showcases how the real space and service should be. The reclining styling, display shelves and frames all feature the clinical finish.The face sink is housed in a podium in the rear. The warmth and charm of the room is enhanced by Use of wood in some places.

The meeting rooms are used for conversations and discussions on how they are going to perform the services in their salons and what they have to work on. Lined up by large windows on one side, used to exploits the neighboring views. The ceiling is a feature in each room and breaks the monotony of the color tone. The grey in the ceiling creates warmth within the white, clean look of the space. The grey mat flooring and the touch of simplistic lighting is soothing and adds calm to the serene environ. The design still adds warmth, character and a comfort zone to the space.

The design for this centre is simple and evokes an aura of peace, calm and relaxation that attempts to create an indulgent space for the learners. This is achieved through design and the materials used in a clinical color and theme that is prevalent for skin care rooms world-wide.